Prior to her current role, Ruan served as Director of Engineering for eBay, and played a key role in steering the company’s mobile strategy. In her talk with Forbes, Ruan emphasizes the importance of “working hard and smartly,” and discusses how to get out of ruts.

“Surrounding myself with amazing women has had a huge impact on my career,” she said. “It’s very compelling when leaders (both male and female) internalize in an authentic way their commitment to personally support women in tech initiatives. I have seen this work numerous ways, for instance, with male leaders who connect to their strong belief in the talent and abilities of their spouse and daughters, and carry that forward. They end up being very authentic in their desire help more women succeed.”